What if “retirement planning” is fundamentally broken? In this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VanderLinden sits down with Chris Miles—known as The Anti-Financial Advisor—whose story alone challenges everything we’ve been taught about money, work, and freedom. Chris did the unthinkable in his 20s. He walked away from the traditional financial advisory industry, disillusioned by a system that rewarded product sales over real financial independence. Instead, he chose a radically different path: alternative investing, passive income, and cash-flow-first thinking. The result? He became financially independent and “work optional” by age 28. Then came the real test. During the Great Recession, Chris found himself over $1 million in debt—a moment that would have ended most financial careers. Instead, it became the crucible that sharpened his philosophy: wealth isn’t about net worth on paper; it’s about control, liquidity, and adaptability. In this candid and deeply practical conversation, Chris dismantles the myths of conventional wealth advice and replaces them with a framework built for real life—not brochures. You’ll hear why: Most financial advice is designed to keep you working, not free Accumulation without cash flow is a fragile strategy Passive income isn’t a retirement concept—it’s a now strategy Being “diversified” doesn’t mean being resilient Optionality is the true definition of wealth Chris shares how entrepreneurs can: Build passive income streams that cover living expenses Invest beyond owning real estate (including lending strategies with 10%+ returns) Evaluate today’s market realities—why commercial real estate is struggling while parts of residential still perform Avoid repeating the same mistakes that wiped out investors in 2008 Design a financial life where work becomes a choice, not a requirement What makes this episode powerful isn’t just the strategy—it’s the reframing. Chris argues that the traditional “save for 40 years, then live” model is misaligned with how entrepreneurs think, how markets behave, and how life actually unfolds. His philosophy prioritises cash flow over speculation, income over ego, and flexibility over rigidity. And underneath it all is a deeper motivation. Chris believes wealth is a tool—not an endpoint. His company, Money Ripples, is built on the idea that when people regain control over their finances, the impact spreads—to families, communities, and future generations. 🎧 If you’ve ever felt that the financial system wasn’t designed with entrepreneurs in mind—this episode will feel like permission to think differently. Because growth isn’t just about building businesses. It’s about building a life where your money works harder than you do—and does so on your terms.